Changes in consumer demand mean shipping containers are leaving Canada empty, analysts say
A bike shortage this spring has left consumers and bike stores scrambling, but the reasons behind it are also affecting the ability of Canadian exporters to get their products to markets a continent away.
Trouble finding a good set of two wheels is one symptom of a larger problem that’s happening at sea and in the world’s ports.
High demand for shipping containers, or sea cans, is making it harder for bikes and other bulky consumer goods to make their way to Canada, and for agricultural and lumber products to leave Canada for Asia.
In fact, to meet the demand for sea cans, shipping lines are moving empty containers out of Canadian ports instead of taking the time to fill them with export products, such as lentils or lumber.
As a result, getting Canadian products onto ships has become increasingly difficult over the past few months, according to industry groups such as the Freight Management Association of Canada and Pulse Canada.
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Source: CBC News
